Mass Effect 2: Arrival

Last updated

Mass Effect 2: Arrival
Mass Effect 2 Arrival.jpg
Developer(s) BioWare
Publisher(s)
Composer(s) Cris Velasco
Sascha Dikiciyan
Series Mass Effect
Engine Unreal Engine 3
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows
PlayStation 3
Xbox 360
ReleaseMarch 29, 2011
Genre(s) Action role-playing, third-person shooter
Mode(s) Single-player

Mass Effect 2: Arrival is a downloadable content pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts and Microsoft Game Studios for the 2010 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 2 . It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 in March 29, 2011. Set within the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, Arrival follows the story of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier who must stop an imminent invasion of a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships that plan to conquer the galaxy.

Contents

Arrival is the last downloadable content pack that was released for Mass Effect 2 and acts as a bridge for Mass Effect 3 . It received generally mixed reviews from critics, who criticized the gameplay for its strong emphasis on linear combat sequences, and the story and characters for their vagueness. At the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards, Arrival was nominated for Best DLC (downloadable content). In 2021, the pack was remastered as part of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition .

Gameplay

Mass Effect 2: Arrival is a downloadable content pack for the 2010 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 2 . Set within the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, it follows the events of an imminent invasion of a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships that plan to conquer the galaxy through the Alpha Relay, a mass transit device which enables interstellar travel. The player assumes the role of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier who ultimately prevents the invasion by colliding an asteroid into the Alpha Relay. Shepard's actions have severe consequences and set the stage for the sequel Mass Effect 3 . [1]

Arrival is split into two acts, each located in a remote globular cluster. The first act takes place in a rain-drenched prison, while the second one takes place in a research base. [2] Unlike Mass Effect 2, where the player is assisted by two squad members that are controlled by the game's artificial intelligence, Arrival involves the player to fight solo almost the entire time. [3] Although the gameplay is mostly centered on corridor-based combat, the beginning of the first act features stealth elements as it is possible to progress without being detected by enemies. [4] Arrival also includes three in-game upgrades, which allow the player to enhance certain aspects of the game's weapons and armor, as well as three achievements. [5]

Development and release

This concept art illustrates the originally suggested underwater setting. Mass Effect 2 Arrival Artwork.jpg
This concept art illustrates the originally suggested underwater setting.

Arrival was developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts and Microsoft Game Studios. It was the last title in the Mass Effect series that was published by Microsoft. During development of Mass Effect 2, Bioware stated that downloadable content was becoming a fundamental part of the company's overall philosophy. [6] The pack was accidentally leaked on February 21, 2011, by the addition of three new achievements in a patch for the PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2. [7] BioWare remarked that the addition of the achievements was intentional, but assumed players would not notice. [8] The pack was formally announced on March 14, 2011, via a brand new screenshot. [9] As the final downloadable content pack for Mass Effect 2, Arrival acts as a bridge for Mass Effect 3. [10] Although the research base where most of the pack's events take place is located on an asteroid, early plans suggested that it would be set on an ocean planet. The base would be underwater and Shepard would reach the main level by submarine. Each section of the base would be in different "containers" and would have a similar sense to James Cameron's 1989 film The Abyss . [11]

The soundtrack was composed by Sonic Mayhem duo Sascha Dikiciyan and Cris Velasco, the same composers that penned the music from Mass Effect 2's earlier downloadable content Kasumi – Stolen Memory. [12] Arrival was released on March 29, 2011, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. [13] In 2021, the pack was remastered as part of the Mass Effect Legendary Edition . [14]

Reception

Arrival received generally mixed reviews from critics. [15] [16] [17] GameSpot editor Kevin VanOrd called Arrival "a disappointing conclusion to a beloved series' second chapter." [18] He stated that the pack lacks elements of choice and character development, which are core features of the Mass Effect series. [18] He nonetheless found the atmospheric environments still praiseworthy, especially the final battleground, which "seems to break the laws of physics but nonetheless gives the shooting excellent visual context." [18] Kristine Steimer of IGN enjoyed the challenge of fighting alone, as it "never bordered on frustrating", but admitted the pack mainly consisted of linear combat sequences. [3]

GameRevolution 's Eduardo Reboucas criticized the vagueness of the story, stating that "characters don't offer a lot of explanation and the little that is given seems more like a hastily put-together excuse to shoot up some fools and push some buttons on the way." [2] He also said that none of the conversation paths influence the game, giving no sense of closure or importance. [2] Similarly, Maurice Tan of Destructoid criticized the ending sacrifice for lacking "a good reason to really care about it", but still considered Arrival a worthwhile purchase due to its potential impact on Mass Effect 3. [1] Despite the general criticism of the story, the atmospheric environments were praised, with GameRevolution noting that "you'll never be bored by the visuals". [2]

Dan Whitehead of Eurogamer highlighted positively the first act and felt that it does "a decent job of allowing you to feel like you're being stealthy as you negotiate your way past guards, usually by looking around for not-very-hidden alternate routes." [4] However, he criticized the final two thirds for being very linear and repetitive, and also reacted negatively to the game's insistence on having to fight solo almost the entire time. [4] He explained that Mass Effect 2 is a squad game, where players "[use] fluid team strategy to cope with different situations", but fighting solo means that players "have to deal with every encounter in the exact same way." [4] Brad Gallaway, reviewer of GameCritics, concluded that the pack's relatively short length and included extras were not enough to justify its price tag. [19]

At the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards, Arrival was nominated for Best DLC (downloadable content), but lost to Portal 2: Peer Review . [20]

Related Research Articles

<i>Mass Effect</i> (video game) 2007 video game

Mass Effect is an action role-playing game game developed by BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios, originally released for the Xbox 360 in November 2007. It is the first game in the Mass Effect series, and takes place within the Milky Way galaxy in the year 2183, where civilization is threatened by a highly advanced machine race known as the Reapers. The player assumes the role of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier who must stop a rogue agent from carrying out the Reapers' galactic invasion. The game involves completing multiple quests that generally involve space exploration, squad and vehicular combat, and interaction with non-player characters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commander Shepard</span> Player character in the original Mass Effect trilogy of video games

Commander Shepard is the player character in the Mass Effect video game series by BioWare.

Downloadable content (DLC) is additional content created for an already released video game, distributed through the Internet by the game's publisher. It can either be added for no extra cost or it can be a form of video game monetization, enabling the publisher to gain additional revenue from a title after it has been purchased, often using some type of microtransaction system.

<i>Mass Effect 2</i> 2010 video game

Mass Effect 2 is an action role-playing video game developed by BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios and Electronic Arts for Windows and Xbox 360 in 2010 and published by Electronic Arts for PlayStation 3 in 2011. It is the second installment in the Mass Effect series and a sequel to the original Mass Effect. The game takes place within the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, where humanity is threatened by an insectoid alien race known as the Collectors. The player assumes the role of Commander Shepard, an elite human soldier who must assemble and gain the loyalty of a diverse team to stop the Collectors in a suicide mission. Using a completed saved game of its predecessor, the player can impact the game's story in numerous ways.

<i>Mass Effect 3</i> 2012 video game

Mass Effect 3 is a 2012 action role-playing video game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. The third major entry in the Mass Effect series and the final installment of the original trilogy, it was released in March 2012 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. A Wii U version of the game, entitled Mass Effect 3: Special Edition, was later released in November 2012. The game is set within the Milky Way galaxy in 2186, where galactic civilization is invaded by a highly advanced machine race of synthetic-organic starships known as Reapers.

Mass Effect is a military science fiction media franchise created by Casey Hudson. The franchise depicts a distant future where humanity and several alien civilizations have colonized the galaxy using technology left behind by advanced precursor civilizations.

<i>Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station</i> 2009 video game

Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion pack developed by Demiurge Studios on behalf of Mass Effect franchise creator BioWare and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the 2007 action role-playing video game Mass Effect. Pinnacle Station was released for the Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows on August 25, 2009. The pack follows a squad led by Commander Shepard as they undergo special operations training on Pinnacle Station, a concealed military training facility.

<i>Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker</i> 2010 downloadable content

Mass Effect 2: Lair of the Shadow Broker is a downloadable content pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts and Microsoft Game Studios for the 2010 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 2. It was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in September 7, 2010. It was also included in the PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2, which was released in 2011 by Electronic Arts. Set after the events of the Mass Effect: Redemption comic book, Lair of the Shadow Broker follows the story of information broker Liara T'Soni and her efforts to find an information dealer known as the Shadow Broker.

<i>Mass Effect 2: Overlord</i> 2010 downloadable content

Mass Effect 2: Overlord is a downloadable content pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts and Microsoft Game Studios for the 2010 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 2. It was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in June 15, 2010. It was also included in the PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2, which was released in 2011 by Electronic Arts. Set on a remote Earth-like planet during the 22nd century, Overlord follows the events of an experimental virtual intelligence that has gone rogue after a scientist interfaced his autistic brother's mind with it.

<i>Mass Effect 2: Kasumi – Stolen Memory</i> 2010 downloadable content

Mass Effect 2: Kasumi – Stolen Memory is a downloadable content pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts and Microsoft Game Studios for the 2010 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 2. It was released for Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360 in April 6, 2010. It was also included in the PlayStation 3 version of Mass Effect 2, which was released in 2011 by Electronic Arts. Set within the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, Stolen Memory follows thief Kasumi Goto and her efforts to steal a graybox that contains memories of her partner.

<i>Mass Effect 3: Leviathan</i> 2012 video game

Mass Effect 3: Leviathan is a downloadable content (DLC) pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for the 2012 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 3. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on August 28, 2012, with a delayed release in Europe on the PS3 platform set for August 29, 2012. The pack follows Commander Shepard and the crew of the SSV Normandy SR-2 starship as they investigate the truth about the origins of the Reapers.

<i>Mass Effect 3: Citadel</i> 2013 video game

Mass Effect 3: Citadel is a downloadable content (DLC) pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for the 2012 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 3. It was released for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360 in March 2013. The pack follows Commander Shepard and the crew of the Normandy SR-2 starship on shore leave, where they must uncover the truth surrounding a conspiracy against Shepard.

<i>Mass Effect 3: Omega</i> 2012 video game

Mass Effect 3: Omega is a major downloadable content (DLC) pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for the 2012 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 3. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on November 27, 2012, with a delayed release in Europe on the PlayStation 3 platform set for November 28, 2012. The pack follows Commander Shepard and the asari pirate queen Aria T'Loak as they attempt to liberate the space station Omega from the anthropocentric terrorist group Cerberus. Omega expanded beyond the developers' original plan during its development cycle, both in response to a mandate of freedom by BioWare management and as a result of the development team's desire to develop the experience they wanted, and incorporates cut content from the main game.

<i>Dragon Age: Inquisition – Jaws of Hakkon</i> 2015 video game

Dragon Age: Inquisition – Jaws of Hakkon is a downloadable content (DLC) pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for the 2014 action role-playing video game Dragon Age: Inquisition. It was initially released for Xbox One and Microsoft Windows through Electronic Arts' digital distribution platform Origin, on March 24, 2015, and for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Xbox 360 on May 26, 2015. The pack follows the Inquisition's exploration of the Frostback Basin, an overgrown wilderness area populated by Avvar barbarian tribes and the site of an ancient Tevinter fortress, to determine the fate of the last Inquisitor and the powerful dragon he hunted.

<i>Mass Effect Legendary Edition</i> Compilation of the video games in the Mass Effect trilogy

Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a compilation of the video games in the Mass Effect trilogy: Mass Effect (2007), Mass Effect 2 (2010), and Mass Effect 3 (2012). Developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts, the compilation was released on May 14, 2021, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. All three games were remastered, with visual enhancements, technical improvements, and gameplay adjustments. Mass Effect, the first game of the trilogy, received more extensive upgrades than its counterparts, specifically with regard to graphics, combat mechanics, vehicle handling, and loading times.

<i>Mass Effect 3: From Ashes</i> 2012 video game

Mass Effect 3: From Ashes is a downloadable content (DLC) pack developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts for the 2012 action role-playing video game Mass Effect 3. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 as a standalone download on March 6, 2012, and included with all retail copies of Mass Effect 3: Special Edition for Wii U. Set within the Milky Way galaxy during the 22nd century, From Ashes follows Commander Shepard and the crew of the Normandy as they investigate an attack on the colony of Eden Prime by the anthropocentric terrorist group Cerberus, where a Prothean artifact had recently been unearthed.

<i>Dragon Age: Origins – Return to Ostagar</i> 2010 video game content

Dragon Age: Origins – Return to Ostagar is a downloadable content (DLC) pack for the 2009 fantasy role-playing video game Dragon Age: Origins developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. It was digitally released for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Microsoft Windows between January and March 2010. The pack follows the surviving members of the Grey Warden branch in the kingdom of Ferelden in Thedas, the setting of the Dragon Age franchise. The Wardens return to the ruined fortress of Ostagar in the aftermath of a great battle between its defenders and an invading force of monstrous Darkspawn which takes place during an early sequence in Origins, which resulted in the deaths of Ferelden's king as well as the entirety of the Grey Warden leadership.

<i>Mass Effect 3</i> ending controversy About the 2012 Electronic Arts video game

Mass Effect 3 is an action role-playing video game and the third installment of the Mass Effect video game series, developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts (EA). Upon its release March 6, 2012 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows, Mass Effect 3 generated controversy when its ending was poorly received by players who felt that it did not meet their expectations. Criticisms included the ending rendering character choices inconsequential, a general lack of closure, plot holes, and narrative inconsistency.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Maurice Tan (March 29, 2011). "Review: Mass Effect 2: 'Arrival' DLC". Destructoid . Archived from the original on March 26, 2016. Retrieved August 24, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Eduardo Reboucas (May 5, 2011). "Mass Effect 2: Arrival Review". GameRevolution . Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 Kristine Steimer (March 29, 2011). "Mass Effect 2: Arrival Review". IGN . Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Dan Whitehead (March 30, 2011). "Mass Effect 2: Arrival Review". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on September 8, 2011. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
  5. ↑ Josh (March 30, 2011). "Mass Effect 2 The Arrival Achievements and Trophies guide (Xbox 360, PS3)". Video Games Blogger. Archived from the original on April 2, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  6. ↑ Charles Onyett (March 27, 2009). "GDC 09: BioWare Talks Mass Effect 2". IGN . Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  7. ↑ Andrew Yoon (February 21, 2011). "Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC detailed by latest patch". Joystiq . Archived from the original on February 23, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  8. ↑ Nikole Zivalich (February 22, 2011). "Mass Effect 2's Next DLC Is 'Arrival' -- BioWare Promises More Details Soon". G4 . Archived from the original on August 5, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  9. ↑ Mike Schramm (March 14, 2011). "BioWare hints at Mass Effect 2 'Arrival' DLC with new screenshot". Joystiq . Archived from the original on March 16, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  10. ↑ Mike Fahey (March 30, 2011). "Ridiculously Short, Arrival Sets The Stage For Mass Effect 3". Kotaku . Archived from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
  11. ↑ Casey Hudson (February 2012). "Mass Effect 2". The Art of the Mass Effect Universe. Milwaukie, Oregon: Dark Horse Books. p. 119. ISBN   978-1-59582-768-5.
  12. ↑ "BioWare Hires Composing Team to Create the "Arrival" Sound". IGN . March 29, 2011. Archived from the original on March 28, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  13. ↑ Jim Reilly (March 18, 2011). "Final Mass Effect 2 Mission Dated". IGN . Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  14. ↑ Liana Ruppert (April 6, 2021). "What To Expect With Mass Effect Legendary Edition". Game Informer . Archived from the original on May 6, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  15. 1 2 "Mass Effect 2: Arrival". Metacritic . Archived from the original on April 29, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  16. 1 2 "Mass Effect 2: Arrival". Metacritic . Archived from the original on December 4, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  17. 1 2 "Mass Effect 2: Arrival". Metacritic . Archived from the original on June 26, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Kevin VanOrd (March 31, 2011). "Mass Effect 2: Arrival Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on January 23, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2012.
  19. 1 2 Brad Gallaway (March 30, 2011). "Mass Effect 2: Arrival Review". GameCritics. Archived from the original on April 3, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
  20. ↑ Rob Keyes (December 10, 2011). "2011 Spike Video Game Awards: Complete Winners List". Game Rant. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.